Ask the Experts

Garden City Hospital is here to help. Now you can browse, search and view answers to frequently asked health questions. Have a personal health question you need answered? We can do that too! Simply submit your question and we will get it to the appropriate GCH health expert for an answer.

Ask the Experts is for general information purposes only. It should never be thought of as medical advice or treatment, nor should it be used in place of a thorough medical screening or an exam by a licensed medical professional. Medical advice should be sought from an emergency room, urgent care center, or licensed medical professional. If you need help finding a physician, use our online physician directory to locate a Garden City Hospital Health Expert that’s right for you.

Check the Sunday issue or your local O&E for more answers from the GCH Health Experts.

Note: Questions are selected both randomly and based on relevance or frequency. Not all submitted questions will be answered. Answers will be posted on GCH.org and not supplied directly to the submitter. To maintain personal privacy, we do not require any personal information be given to submit questions.

Q

This year I want to quit smoking for good. I was a pack a day smoker for 20 years and have cut back to only 5 or 6 a day, but just can’t seem to get over the hump. My husband and children have never smoked and have been asking me to kick the habit for years. I was recently blessed with my first grandchild and have decided this must be a priority. What should I do and can you help offer guidance for my success?

A

There is no “one size fits all” solution to quit smoking, but the first and most important thing is YOU WANT TO QUIT. Kicking the smoking habit requires willpower – but that... read more

There is no “one size fits all” solution to quit smoking, but the first and most important thing is YOU WANT TO QUIT. Kicking the smoking habit requires willpower – but that’s only part of the equation. Cigarettes are manufactured to be addictive, and there are a number of prescription and over-the-counter products that can reduce your cravings. Talk to your physician or consider counseling. A doctor can help determine what the best plan and products are for your success. Much like a good workout plan, a journal is a great tool in conquering any addiction. Take notes of when and where you typically smoke and why. Now think how you will overcome your urge to smoke in each situation. Good luck and remember you are not alone. Look to your family for support and seek out a reputable expert in smoking cessation.